Do you have a brushing battle every morning that you never win? Is your little one sporting a halo of frizzy fluff that refuses to behave? Well, read on soldier.
Scientists have untangled the genetic roots of this condition which is medically described as “Uncombable Hair Syndrome.”
It is characterised as extremely frizzy, dry, naturally light blonde hair with an unusual shine. French and German researchers mapped the DNA of a group of children with the condition and discovered the children had mutations in three specific hair growth genes. When combined, these particular codes create extra knots and tangles.
Professor Regina Betz, a hair specialist from the University of Bonn, led the new study which has been published in the American Journal of Human Genetics:
“From the mutations found, a huge amount can be learned about the mechanisms involved in forming healthy hair, and why disorders sometimes occur. At the same time, we can now secure the clinical diagnosis of ‘uncombable hair’ with molecular genetic methods.”
The great news? Such tangly hair is most pronounced in childhood but does diminish over time with hair becoming much more brushable as they get older.
But while many children have very difficult hair, doctors say this particular disorder is extremely rare.
Are you living with an uncombable wonder? Why not send in a picture to us at Amanda.Cassidy@HerFamily.ie
